When you think of summer in Dorset, hot air balloon rides are up there with ice-cream, fresh hot doughnuts and sunny days on the beach, right?
And if hot air balloons don’t come to mind when you’re in this gorgeous county, we think they absolutely should be.
This year, take life higher with Virgin Balloon Flights on a spectacular flight over delightful Dorset.
From the picturesque town of Shaftesbury (and that famous cobbled street from the Hovis advert) to stunning National Trust estates and seemingly endless beautiful countryside, going up, up and away with Virgin Balloon Flights in Dorset is an experience you will never forget.
Dorset Hot Air Balloons Rides Are All About The Views
On a clear day with the right wind, your balloon ride could offer views all the way to Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast – the first location ever to make the UNSECO World Heritage list.
Our balloon rides launch from the picturesque Folke Golf Centre, just a stone’s throw from Sherborne and the perfect central spot to start your airborne adventure.
On the day, your balloon flight could even be moved to Chulmleigh, Sturminster Newton or Shaftesbury, where our equally scenic back-up launch sites are located. (Find out more about back-up sites in our FAQs.)
There are no hot air balloon flights in Bournemouth or along the Isle of Wight due to their coastal geography. However, our Dorset launch sites offer incredible views of the countryside. Depending on the wind, you may catch a glimpse of Bournemouth in the distance. This would link the vibrant seaside spot to your sky-high adventure.
Depending on which way the wind takes you, keep an eye out for landmarks such as Sherborne Castle, Alners Gorse Butterfly Reserve and Hendover Coppice Nature Reserve.
You might even be lucky enough to spot the iconic Cerne Giant from the air.
With spectacular 360 views stretching out in all directions, you really are spoilt for scenery on a Dorset hot air balloon.
Who Would Be My Balloon Pilot?
Your balloon pilot, Steve Vining is a true Dorset local and had been flying big passenger balloons in the area for many years.
His love for hot air ballooning came about when he experienced his first flight as a passenger, with a 30th birthday balloon ride gift.
At that moment he became, in his own words, “hooked on hot air ballooning” and we don’t believe there is a pilot with more knowledge and experience flying in Dorset than our Steve.
Read more about Steve and his flying career in his pilot profile.
Ready To Take Life Higher?
With 2022 the year we are all able to get back out there and enjoy life to the full with those we love, a hot air balloon ride is just the ticket to take life higher.
If you’re ready to experience the skies, choose Virgin Balloon Flights as the UK’s number one to go up, up and away with.
